Visit our Apple Garden, and you’ll find bursts of nickel-sized yellow flowers. These bright winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) are among our first blooms of the season—a herald of colorful days to come. In fact, their Chinese name “Yingchunhua” means “Welcoming Spring Flower.”
Introduced to the west from China in the mid-19th century, winter jasmine became popular throughout Europe and the U.S., and we love them for bringing cold-weather interest to the Park. In addition to early blooms, their stems remain green all winter long.
Growing up to four feet in height with arching, cascading stems and trifoliate leaves, winter jasmine blooms are a cheerful yellow, about an inch in diameter, with five or six waxy petals. While their flowers may look delicate, these plants are hardy—able to grow in sun or shade and a variety of soil types, and—of course—in winter weather. So even though March may arrive like a lion, these brave little blooms are sure to thrive.
Our winter jasmine aren’t the only early blooms you can find in the Park. Head south to Tribeca, and you’ll find witch hazel putting on a stellar show along our Tribeca Boardwalk and by Pier 26. With wispy flowers similar in hue to winter jasmine, our witch hazel are blooming in unusual synchronicity this year—so be sure to catch them soon!